Illinois catering business ordered to shut down after high school football team got sick before homecoming

October 3, 2026 - 20:30

Health officials in Illinois have ordered a catering business to cease operations after multiple members of a high school football team became sick shortly before their homecoming game. The unlicensed caterer had provided a taco bar to the team, which included fajita chicken, seasoned taco beef, cheese, flour taco shells, cheesy pepper beans, cilantro corn rice, and pico de gallo or salsa.

The illness struck the players just as the school was preparing for one of the biggest events of the season. Instead of focusing on the game and homecoming festivities, coaches and staff had to deal with a wave of sick athletes. The timing raised immediate concerns about food safety and how the meal had been prepared and handled.

An investigation by local health authorities determined that the business was operating without the required permits or inspections. As a result, officials issued an order forcing the caterer to shut down until further notice. Inspectors noted that unlicensed food operations bypass critical safety checks designed to prevent contamination and foodborne illness.

Parents and school officials are now calling for stricter vetting of vendors hired for school events. The football team has since recovered, but the incident left a mark on what should have been a celebratory week. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and have urged anyone who ate the food to report any lingering symptoms.